Acrylic jewelry with embedded scent

ABSTRACT

A jewelry with scent embedded thereon includes a substrate. A multi-colored graphic is adhered to a first side of the substrate. A scent microcapsule layer is adhered to a second side of the substrate, opposite to the first side of the substrate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/299,053, filed Nov. 17, 2011, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to jewelry and, more specifically, to acrylic jewelry with scent embedded thereon and a method for manufacturing the same.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Shoelaces are strings or cords that are used to tighten a shoe on the foot of a wearer. Shoelaces may be made from a wide variety of natural materials such as leather and cotton, or a variety of synthetic fibers such as polyester. As shoelaces are generally threaded through a series of eyelets that run down the top of the shoe, shoelaces tend to be flexible and durable. In order to provide the desired level of flexibility and durability, shoelaces are commonly constructed of woven fabrics. The woven fabric may be secured at each end of the shoelace by an aglet or cap that may be constructed of metal or plastic. The aglet may prevent the shoelace from becoming unbraided and may facilitate the lacing through the eyelets.

Shoelaces are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors to suite a variety of shoe styles and wearer preferences.

SUMMARY

A jewelry with scent embedded thereon includes a substrate. A multi-colored graphic is adhered to a first side of the substrate. A scent microcapsule layer is adhered to a second side of the substrate, opposite to the first side of the substrate.

The substrate may include acrylic. The substrate may be transparent. The multi-colored graphic may be a four-color heat transfer. A pearlscent film may be adhered to the first side of the substrate. The pearlscent film may include scent microcapsules.

A method for constructing a scented jewelry includes printing a desired graphic onto a first surface of a substrate. A net overlay is applied on a second surface of the substrate, opposite to the first surface of the substrate. A scent microcapsule layer is applied to the second surface of the substrate over the net overlay. The net overlay is removed after the application of the scent microcapsule layer. The substrate is cut to a desired shape.

The substrate may be an acrylic board. The desired graphic may be printed onto the first surface of the substrate using a four-color heat transfer process. The scent microcapsule layer may be applied to the second surface of the substrate by paining. The cutting of the substrate to the desired shape may be performed using a laser.

A method for constructing a scented jewelry includes printing a desired graphic on a first surface of a transparent substrate. A net overlay is applied on a second surface of the transparent substrate, opposite to the first surface of the substrate. A scent microcapsule layer is applied to the second surface of the transparent substrate over the net overlay. The net overlay is removed after the application of the scent microcapsule layer. A pearlscent film is applied to the first surface of the transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is cut to a desired shape.

The pearlscent film may be coated with scent microcapsules. The scent microcapsules coated to the pearlscent film may have the same scent as the scent microcapsule layer applied to the second surface of the transparent substrate. Mounting hardware may be attached to the cut transparent substrate. The desired graphic may be visible through the transparent substrate and through the scent microcapsule layer applied to the second surface of the transparent substrate. The transparent substrate may include acrylic. The printing of the desired graphic on a first surface of a transparent substrate may be performed using a four-color heat transfer process. The scent microcapsule layer may be applied to the second surface of the transparent substrate by paining. The cutting of the transparent substrate to the desired shape may be performed using a laser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a shoelace with embedded scent microcapsules according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating side views of a shoelace with embedded scent microcapsules according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating various arrangements for application of a scent microcapsule layer in discrete sections according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for embedding scent microcapsules in a woven fabric according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a shoelace mold comprising a plurality of shoelace-shaped depressions for containing shoelaces during application of scent microcapsules according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a substrate for holding the shoelaces during screen printing of the scent microcapsules according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for constructing scented jewelry according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a modified shoelace with embedding scent microcapsules according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In describing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for sake of clarity. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to shoelaces constructed of a woven fabric, such as polyester, within which scent microcapsules have been embedded. The scent microcapsules, upon being disturbed, for example, by scratching the surface of the shoelace, may emit a pleasing fragrance.

The scent microcapsules may include aromatic oils or other odorants that have been encapsulated in particularly small gelatin or plastic spheres. These spheres may be on the order of a few microns in diameter and may accordingly be too small to distinguish visually. Scent microcapsules are generally applied to a paper substrate, for example, using an adhesive. The paper substrate may then be incorporated into various products such as stickers. When the surface of the paper substrate is disturbed, for example, by scratching its surface, the gelatin or plastic spheres may be broken and the odorant may be released into the air thereby allowing a person to sense the fragrance. In addition to stickers, scent microcapsules have been applied to the pages of books, magazines and other paper products.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention apply scent microcapsules directly to woven fabric, and in particular, to shoelaces comprising woven fabric. This may be performed, for example, without first applying the scent microcapsules to a paper substrate or film that is later adhered to the fabric. Rather, the scent microcapsules may be deposited directly to the surface of the fabric with or without the use of an adhesive.

The woven fabric may comprise a natural fiber such as cotton or wool or may comprise an artificial/synthetic fiber such as rayon, acetate, modacrylic, olefin, acrylic, or polyester. The woven fabric may be substantially flat or it may have depth. For example, the woven fabric may be cord-shaped. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may apply the scent microcapsules to the fabric either prior to or after the fabric has been incorporated into a textile good. For example, the scent microcapsules may be applied to shoelaces that have already been manufactured.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a shoelace with embedded scent microcapsules according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The shoelace 10 may comprise a length of woven fabric 11 with aglets 12 at opposite ends. The fabric 11 may be infused with an odorant. The fabric 11 may be constructed of natural or synthetic fibers, as described above, and may be dyed to a desired color. A pattern or graphic 13 may be printed on the fabric 11. A layer of scent microcapsules 14 may be applied to the fabric 11. The pattern or graphic 13 and the layer of scent microcapsules 14 may be provided on one or both surfaces of the fabric. While a shoelace is illustrated and described, the invention should not be understood to be limited to the application of scent microcapsules to shoelaces, exclusively; exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide for the application of scent microcapsules to other textiles such as t-shirts, cases, bags, handbags, backpacks, luggage, shoes, belts, etc.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are side-views illustrating a shoelace with embedded scent microcapsules according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, layer thicknesses has been exaggerated for clarity. The shoelace 10 is comprised of a length of woven fabric 11 with aglets 12 at opposite ends. The pattern or graphic 13 may be formed on top of the woven fabric 11 or may be formed within the surface of the woven fabric 11 by the application of dye thereto. The scent microcapsules 14 may be applied as a layer on the surface of the fabric 11. The scent microcapsule layer 14 may cover the pattern or graphic 13. The scent microcapsules 14 may be applied as a continuous layer as shown in FIG. 2A or may be applied as a set of discrete sections that are approximately evenly distributed over the area of the top surface of the fabric 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B.

It may be desirable for shoelaces, and other fabric textiles, to retain flexibility so that manipulation, for example, tying, is not encumbered by excessive stiffness. Application of scent microcapsules in sufficient concentration to provide adequate fragrance may, in some cases, create a shoelace that is excessively stiff. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may utilize the above-described arrangement of applying scent microcapsules in discrete sections to enhance bendability of scented shoelaces. Where the scent microcapsules 14 are applied as a set of discrete sections, each section may be formed as stripes, squares, spots and/or a sequence of other discrete shapes.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating various arrangements for application of a scent microcapsule layer in discrete sections according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fabric section 31 illustrates the application of the scent microcapsule layer 14 in a sequence of angled stripes 32. Each angled stripe may be substantially thicker than the space between adjacent stripes. The angle of the stripes may be within the range of 30° to 60° from vertical, for example, the stripes may be angled at 45° from vertical.

Fabric section 33 illustrates the application of the scent microcapsule layer 14 in a sequence of discrete circles 34. The circles may be relatively small with respect to the width of the fabric. For example, the diameter of each circle may be less than half of the width of the fabric. The discrete circles 34 may be of a common diameter, as shown, or they may be of varied diameters. The space between the discrete circles 34 may be relatively small with respect to the diameter of the circles.

Fabric section 35 illustrates the application of the scent microcapsule layer 14 in a sequence of discrete squares 36. The squares may be relatively small with respect to the width of the fabric. The discrete squares 36 may be of a common size, as shown, or they may be of varied sizes. The space between the discrete squares 36 may be relatively small with respect to the length of a side of the squares. The squares may be arranged in two rows, as shown, or another number of rows of squares may be used. The squares may be organized in rows, as shown, or may be staggered.

Fabric section 37 illustrates the application of the scent microcapsule layer 14 in a sequence of discrete vertical stripes 38. The discrete stripes 38 may run the width of the fabric, which may be a direction orthogonal to the long-axis of the shoelace. The discrete stripes 38 may run parallel to one another. The width of each stripe 38 may be relatively narrow with respect to the width of the fabric. For example, each stripe may have a width that is less than or equal to one third of the width of the fabric. Where, for example, the width of the shoelace is ¾″, the width of each stripe 38 may be 0.25″ or less. The space between each stripe 38 may be small with respect to the width of each stripe 38. For example, the space between each stripe 38 may be half of the width of each stripe, or less. Where, for example, the width of each stripe 38 is 0.25″, there may be 0.125″ of space, or less, between each stripe 38.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for embedding scent microcapsules in a woven fabric according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The method is described herein in terms of manufacturing a scented shoelace although other fabric textiles may be similarly processed in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. First, a pattern, graphic, text or other markings may be applied to the fabric of the shoelace (Step S41). Application of the graphic, etc. may be performed by heat transfer, inkjet printing, screen printing, stenciling, painting, airbrushing, stamping, dying, etc. This step may be optionally omitted where marking the shoelace is not desired. Where heat transfer is performed, a four color heat transfer process may be performed, for example, at a temperature of approximately 300° Celsius.

Thereafter, the shoelace may be soaked in a solution that comprises an odorant or other fragrance (Step S42). The soaking may be performed by submerging, for a length of time, the shoelace within the odorant solution. The time used to soak the shoelace may be dependent upon the level of permeability of the fabric used. For example, where the shoelace comprises polyester, the soaking time may be approximately 15 minutes. The odorant used in the soaking solution is not microencapsulated (i.e. it is unencapsulated). The odorant may be dissolved in a water-based or oil-based solvent. However, the odorant used may have the same smell as the microencapsulated scent used in subsequent steps. By performing the soaking step, the shoelace may be imparted with a fragrance that may be sensed in the absence of scratching the surface of the shoelace, as would be required to release the scent within the microcapsules.

The soaking step may be followed by drying (Step S43). Drying may be accomplished, for example, by applying heated air, by placing the shoelace on a heat bake, by pressing the shoelace with a heating element, and/or by allowing sufficient time for the shoelace to dry. In addition to removing the solvent from the shoelace, the application of heat may serve to further infuse the fabric of the shoelace with the desired fragrance.

After the shoelace has been sufficiently dried, the scent microcapsules may be deposited upon and/or infused into the shoelace (Step S44). The scent microcapsules may be applied, for example, by spraying a solution comprising the scent microcapsules, jet printing the microcapsule solution, or screen printing the microcapsule solution directly onto the shoelace. The scent microcapsules may be applied along the entire length of the shoelace fabric. The aglets may remain free of scent microcapsules. The scent microcapsules may be applied along the length of the fabric of the shoelace, either as a continuous layer or in a series or pattern of discrete shapes, for example, as described above with respect to FIG. 3. Where the scent microcapsules are applied as a series or pattern of discrete shapes, scent microcapsules may be applied by stuttering the application of the scent particles onto the fabric of the shoelace or by selectively printing the desired pattern of scent microcapsules onto the shoelace. Alternatively, the scent microcapsules may be applied over a stencil so that the scent microcapsules are applied with the desired pattern.

In applying the scent microcapsule layer to the shoelace, it may be difficult to screen print the scent microcapsules to the entire length of the shoelace as the ends of the shoelace may extend beyond the screen printing device. Moreover, it may be difficult to place the entire shoelace within the screen printing device as the shoelace aglets may be too thick to fit properly within the screen printing device or the thickness of the aglets may make it difficult for the screen printing device to properly hold down the fabric of the shoelace and prevent the fabric from sliding around during printing. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may perform screen printing of the scent microcapsule layer to the shoelace by placing the shoelaces to be screen printed within a mold comprising a plurality of shoelace-shaped depressions. FIG. 5A illustrates a shoelace mold 51 comprising a plurality of shoelace-shaped depressions 52 for containing shoelaces during application of scent microcapsules according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The same mold 51 or a similar mold may also be used during the graphic printing of Step S41.

As an alternative to using the mold 51, or in addition to using the mold 51, application of the scent microcapsules onto the shoelace may be performed by clamping down the shoelaces to a substrate so that the shoelaces may remain in place during the screen printing of the scent microcapsules onto the fabric of the shoelace. FIG. 5B illustrates a substrate 53 for holding the shoelaces 10 during screen printing of the scent microcapsules according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the shoelaces 10 may be constrained by the use of one or more clips 54 that lock the shoelace in place over the aglets. It should be noted that the substrate 53 does not necessarily have depressions 52 as illustrated in FIG. 5A. The configuration of FIG. 5B may allow for the application of scent microcapsules over the entire surface of the fabric of the shoelace.

Moreover, the substrate 53 may have additional clips 54 that may lock the shoelace in place over various positions along the length of the fabric. In such a case, the clips 54 themselves may serve as the stencil for creating the desired pattern of scent microcapsules on the shoelaces.

After the scent microcapsules have been successfully applied (Step S44), another heating/drying step may be performed (Step S45). This drying step may be substantially similar to step S43 described above.

Where desired, phosphorescent pigment may be applied (Step S46). The phosphorescent pigment may provide the shoelace with a glow-in-the dark characteristic. The phosphorescent pigment may be applied as a powder and may be transferred to the shoelace using a heat transfer technique. The heat transfer may be performed, for example, at a temperature of approximately 160° for approximately 10 seconds.

Where desired, the steps of graphic printing (Step S41), applying scent microcapsules (Step S44), and applying phosphorescent pigment (Step S46) may repeated on an reverse side of the shoelace or other fabric or textile product. Where necessary, appropriate heating/drying steps may be performed as well.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also be applied to jewelry. FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for constructing scented jewelry according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The jewelry may be constructed of acrylic board. Accordingly, a desired graphics may be printed on the acrylic board, for example, using a four color heat transfer technique (Step S61). The acrylic may be transparent so that the desired graphic may be applied to the bottom of the acrylic to be viewed through the top of the acrylic. Then, a scent microcapsule layer may be applied to the acrylic board (Step S62), for example, over the top of the acrylic board, which may be the opposite side of the acrylic in relation to the side of the acrylic that the graphic was applied to. The scent microcapsule layer may be applied, for example, by placing a net overlay on top of the acrylic and then painting on the scent microcapsule layer over the net overlay. The scent microcapsule layer may be painted on the acrylic board, either by hand or using automation. A paint brush or similar took may be used to apply the scent microcapsule layer. The net overlay may be removed after the application of the scent microcapsule layer. Then, a pearlscent film may be adhered to the bottom side of the acrylic, over the transferred graphic (Step S63). The pearlscent film may also incorporate scent microcapsules, where desired. The acrylic board may then be cut as desired (Step S64) and the cuttings may be used as jewelry, for example, by attaching desired mounting hardware such as clips, barrettes (Step S65). The cutting of the acrylic may be performed, for example, using a laser.

Exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrative, and many variations can be introduced without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, elements and/or features of different exemplary embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims.

The shoelace with embedded scent microcapsules may be specially modified for use as a bracelet. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a modified shoelace with embedding scent microcapsules according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The modified shoelace 70 may include a section of woven fabric 71 which may be, for example, prepared in the manner described above to include scent and/or scent microcapsules. The top of the modified shoelace 70 may include a preformed bow 73. The preformed bow 73 may be constructed by tying together two ends of the shoelace 70, which may include aglets 12. The bow 73 may resemble a shoelace bow tied according to the ordinary course of shoelace tying. The bow 73 may then be permanently fixed in the tied arrangement, for example, using glue, stitches and/or another fastening means.

The modified shoelace 70 may additionally include an elastic section 72. The elastic section 72 may be located at a bottom section of the shoelace 70, for example, opposite the preformed bow 73, or may alternatively be located elsewhere along the woven fabric section 71. For example, the elastic section 72 may be located within the preformed bow 73. Although not show, there may be more than one elastic section 72. Alternatively, the elastic section 72 may be placed inside of the woven fabric section 71. Here, the woven fabric section 71 may be at least partially bunched up in around the elastic section 72 such that the woven fabric has slack to allow the elastic section 72 to expand. The length of the woven fabric section 71 and the size of the preformed bow 73 may be arranged such that the inner diameter of the modified shoelace 70 is appropriately sized to be used as a bracelet, for example, by a child. According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the preformed bow 73 may be releasable fixed to allow a user to resize the modified shoelace 70 by untying and retying the preformed bow 73. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A jewelry with scent embedded thereon, comprising: a substrate; a multi-colored graphic adhered to a first side of the substrate; and a scent microcapsule layer adhered to a second side of the substrate, opposite to the first side of the substrate.
 2. The jewelry of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises acrylic.
 3. The jewelry of claim 1, wherein the substrate is transparent.
 4. The jewelry of claim 1, wherein the multi-colored graphic is a four-color heat transfer.
 5. The jewelry of claim 1, wherein a pearlscent film is adhered to the first side of the substrate.
 6. The jewelry of claim 5, wherein the pearlscent film includes scent microcapsules.
 7. A method for constructing a scented jewelry, comprising: printing a desired graphic onto a first surface of a substrate; applying a net overlay on a second surface of the substrate, opposite to the first surface of the substrate; applying a scent microcapsule layer to the second surface of the substrate over the net overlay; removing the net overlay after the application of the scent microcapsule layer; and cutting the substrate to a desired shape.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the substrate is an acrylic board.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the desired graphic is printed onto the first surface of the substrate using a four-color heat transfer process.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the scent microcapsule layer is applied to the second surface of the substrate by paining.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the cutting of the substrate to the desired shape is performed using a laser.
 12. A method for constructing a scented jewelry, comprising: printing a desired graphic on a first surface of a transparent substrate; applying a net overlay on a second surface of the transparent substrate, opposite to the first surface of the substrate; applying a scent microcapsule layer to the second surface of the transparent substrate over the net overlay; removing the net overlay after the application of the scent microcapsule layer; applying a pearlscent film to the first surface of the transparent substrate; and cutting the transparent substrate to a desired shape.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pearlscent film is coated with scent microcapsules.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the scent microcapsules coated to the pearlscent film have the same scent as the scent microcapsule layer applied to the second surface of the transparent substrate.
 15. The method of claim 12, additionally comprising attaching mounting hardware to the cut transparent substrate.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the desired graphic is visible through the transparent substrate and through the scent microcapsule layer applied to the second surface of the transparent substrate.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the transparent substrate comprises acrylic.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the printing of the desired graphic on a first surface of a transparent substrate is performed using a four-color heat transfer process.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the scent microcapsule layer is applied to the second surface of the transparent substrate by paining.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the cutting of the transparent substrate to the desired shape is performed using a laser. 